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{{Infobox organization
{{Infobox organization
|name = බොදු බල සේනා(Influence of Buddhist Strength)
|name = Bodu Bala Sena
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|motto = “ස්වසමයාභිවෘද්ධිය” උදෙසා “පටිසෝතගාමීව”
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'''Bodu Bala Sena''' ({{lang-si|බොදු බල සේනා}}; {{lang-en|Buddhist Power Force}}; BBS) is an [[Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism|Sinhalese Buddhist]]<ref name=DFT180213>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title="This is a Sinhala country, Sinhala Government": Bodu Bala Sena|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/02/18/this-is-a-sinhala-country-sinhala-government-bodu-bala-sena/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=18 February 2013}}</ref><ref name=SL310313>{{cite news|last=Sri Aravinda|first=Indika|title=Ban BBS|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/03/31/ban-on-bbs/|newspaper=[[The Sunday Leader]]|date=31 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Is ethnic unrest brewing in southeast Asia?|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2013/04/201342472654769316.html|newspaper=[[Al Jazeera]]|date=24 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Arson against Sri Lanka paper targets Tamil vote|url=http://www.arabnews.com/news/448118|newspaper=[[Arab News]]/[[Agence France-Presse]]|date=15 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kumar|first=G. Pramod|title=Attacks on Muslims: Is Sri Lanka now an anti-minority state?|url=http://www.firstpost.com/world/attacks-on-muslims-is-sri-lanka-now-an-anti-minority-state-693521.html|newspaper=[[First Post (India)]]|date=10 April 2013}}</ref> Sinhala-Buddhist organisation based in [[Colombo]], [[Sri Lanka]].<ref name=AN080712>{{cite news|last=Rasooldeen|first=M. D.|title=Lankan mission slams false report on jailed maid|url=http://www.arabnews.com/lankan-mission-slams-false-report-jailed-maid|newspaper=[[Arab News]]|date=8 July 2012}}</ref> It has organised various campaigns against the country's minority Muslim and Christian communities which, according to the organisation, are needed to protect the country's Sinhalese-Buddhist character. The organisation's hard-line attitudes have drawn concern and criticism from inside and outside Sri Lanka.

'''Bodu Bala Sena (BBS)''' ({{lang-si|බොදු බල සේනා}}; {{lang-en|Influence of Buddhist Strength}};) is an [[Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism|Sinhala-Buddhist]] organisation based in [[Colombo]], [[Sri Lanka]].<ref name=DFT180213>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title="This is a Sinhala country, Sinhala Government": Bodu Bala Sena|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/02/18/this-is-a-sinhala-country-sinhala-government-bodu-bala-sena/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=18 February 2013}}</ref>


==Organisation==
==Organisation==
The IBS was founded by monks Ven. Kirama Wimalajothi and Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara after they broke away from [[Jathika Hela Urumaya]] (JHU) claiming it was not active enough in protecting Buddhism.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lankan Buddhist chauvinists provoke violence against Muslims|publisher=[[World Socialist Web Site]]|coauthors=Gamini Karunasena and Wasantha Rupasinghe|date=9 January 2013}}</ref> Gnanasara had been one of the JHU candidates in [[Colombo Electoral District|Colombo District]] at the [[Sri Lankan parliamentary election, 2004|2004 parliamentary election]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slelections.gov.lk/pdf/Preference2004GE.pdf|title=General Election 2004 Preferences|publisher=Department of Elections, Sri Lanka}}</ref> Ven. Wimalajothi and Ven. Gnanasara are leader and general secretary of BBS respectively.<ref>{{cite news|last=Edirisinghe|first=Dasun|title=Bodu Bala Sena regrets acts committed by others in its name|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=71421|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=28 January 2013}}</ref> Its headquarters are located at Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira in Colombo.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bodu Bala Sena to accept guardianship of orphans|url=http://mirror.lk/news/6178-bodu-bala-sena-to-accept-guardianship-of-orphans|newspaper=mirror.lk|date=27 March 2013}}</ref> Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira is owned by the [[Buddhist Cultural Centre]], an organisation also founded by Ven. Kirama Wimalajothi.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rajasingham|first=K. T.|title=Bodu Bala Sena to tone down its stance on Muslims|url=http://www.asiantribune.com/node/62004|newspaper=[[Asian Tribune]]|date=18 March 2013}}</ref> The Buddhist Cultural Centre was opened by [[President of Sri Lanka|President]] [[Mahinda Rajapaksa]] who was the precursor to celebrating the Sri Sambuddhathva Jayanthi 2600 on a grand scale on 15 May 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=Buddhist Cultural Centre opened; Havelock Rd. renamed ‘Sambuddha Jayanthi Mawatha’|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=25515|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=15 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kumarasinghe|first=Uditha|title=Buddhist Cultural Centre: Grand opening today|url=http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2011/05/15/fea06.asp|newspaper=[[Sunday Observer (Sri Lanka)]]|date=15 May 2011}}</ref>
The BBS was founded by monks Ven. Kirama Wimalajothi and Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara after they broke away from [[Jathika Hela Urumaya]] (JHU) claiming it was was not active enough in protecting Buddhism. Ven.Gnanasara had been one of the JHU candidates in [[Colombo Electoral District|Colombo District]] at the [[Sri Lankan parliamentary election, 2004|2004 parliamentary election]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slelections.gov.lk/pdf/Preference2004GE.pdf|title=General Election 2004 Preferences|publisher=Department of Elections, Sri Lanka}}</ref> Wimalajothi and Gnanasara are leader and general secretary of BBS respectively.<ref>{{cite news|last=Edirisinghe|first=Dasun|title=Bodu Bala Sena regrets acts committed by others in its name|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=71421|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=28 January 2013}}</ref> Its headquarters are located at Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira in Colombo.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bodu Bala Sena to accept guardianship of orphans|url=http://mirror.lk/news/6178-bodu-bala-sena-to-accept-guardianship-of-orphans|newspaper=mirror.lk|date=27 March 2013}}</ref> Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira is owned by the [[Buddhist Cultural Centre]], an organisation also founded by Kirama Wimalajothi.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rajasingham|first=K. T.|title=Bodu Bala Sena to tone down its stance on Muslims|url=http://www.asiantribune.com/node/62004|newspaper=[[Asian Tribune]]|date=18 March 2013}}</ref> The Buddhist Cultural Centre was opened by [[President of Sri Lanka|President]] [[Mahinda Rajapaksa]] on 15 May 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=Buddhist Cultural Centre opened; Havelock Rd. renamed ‘Sambuddha Jayanthi Mawatha’|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=25515|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=15 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Kumarasinghe|first=Uditha|title=Buddhist Cultural Centre: Grand opening today|url=http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2011/05/15/fea06.asp|newspaper=[[Sunday Observer (Sri Lanka)]]|date=15 May 2011}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
‘Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world; it is appeased by love.’ (Dhammapada I 5)

By taking the same as a base advantage to eliminate Buddhism from some countries, other religions such as Christianity and (specially)Islam established strongly with the help of Kings in history based on the trade rather than faith. Since the very historic ages Buddhism had to face religious genocides all over the world mainly due to Muslim invasions. That destroyed most of the monasteries, Libraries and Stupas of Buddhism nearly faded from the face of some former Buddhist countries. For example [[Buddhism_in_Afghanistan|Afghanistan]], [[Buddhism_in_Iran|Iran]], and so on was few of a Buddhist countries but today no one can trace there roots some times. In the same way, the neighbour island nation Maldives were Buddhist from around 250 BCE until the 12th century till the Iranian Muslim invasions steps to overrun the Buddhism over trading. By today no one can see any Buddhist ruins in any island or atoll as per the Islamic teaching followers led to destroy those. The Buddhist Stupa (the best preserved, the largest and the last of the Buddhist temples that were destroyed) at Kuruhinna in Gan Island ([[Haddhunmathi_Atoll|Haddhunmathi Atoll]]). However the history is saved in museum in any country. Further proving elimination of non-islamic history is a Islamic practice, as what happened to the Afghanistan bhamian statues, Islamic extremists destroyed the priceless Buddhist statues in the National Museum which represented the [http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/14/world/asia/political-turmoil-threatens-archaeological-treasures-in-maldives.html Maldives pre-Islamic era] aiming to destroying Buddhist relics. Likewise this religious-genocide happened for centuries to today by many faces. The most importantly no Buddhist war report in the history based on such actions and Buddhist followers were self guided to non-violent path by its teaching. That was a another blessing and encouraged those who involved in such activities.

These peaceful capturing was stepped in to the Sri Lankan island as well. With the Tamil tiger terrorist(LTTE) movements in Jaffna Sri Lanka, commanded Muslims who lived those areas to left within 24hrs with a sudden notice. Those Muslims came to Sinhalese crowded areas and live with them and started new life. But at the end of the 32 year civil war when the Buddhist people started to look around they only noticed Destroyed historical places and forcefully captured Buddhist religious holy areas converted to Mosques and Permanent Muslim settlements. As a nation who lost massive economical development due to economical disturbances by Tamil minority, didn't tolerate the destruction of Buddhist holy places by the Muslim minority as they have sense of what happening to the non-violence religion in the history. That background pressured several monk to come out and speak to the government to protect Buddhism though constitutional provision is clearly mentioned as same as for Christianity in British and State constitution provided . With failing to do so, several religious places captured or destroyed by both Tamil terrorist and also by some Muslims openly. Kuragala [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conversion_of_non-Muslim_places_of_worship_into_mosques#Kuragala_Cave_Temple|Kuragala Cave Temple]] is a one of such place. This environment naturally forced monk to shout publically to protect the Buddhism as rapid destruction happened that never be reversed. As a result several small scaled groups to well organised fronts came out for the same. The well Known BBS is one of such front aiming to protect Buddhism from the hand of such movements. It is a organisation led by monks with the civil society.

==Campaigns==
One of earliest campaigns by BBS was in respect of Buddhist Sri Lankans working in the [[Middle East]] who, according BBS, were prevented from prevented from practising their religion and punished harshly if found to be doing so.<ref>{{cite news|title=Arrested for idol worship|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-9052-news-detail-arrested-for-idol-worship.html|newspaper=[[Ceylon Today]]|date=6 July 2012}}</ref>
One of earliest campaigns by BBS was in respect of Buddhist Sri Lankans working in the [[Middle East]] who, according BBS, were prevented from prevented from practising their religion and punished harshly if found to be doing so.<ref>{{cite news|title=Arrested for idol worship|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-9052-news-detail-arrested-for-idol-worship.html|newspaper=[[Ceylon Today]]|date=6 July 2012}}</ref>


The BBS held its first national convention at the [[Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall]] on 28 July 2012.<ref>{{cite news|last=Cyril Wimalasurendre|first=Cyril|title=Asgiriya Nayake Thera welcomes Bodu Bala Sena|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=58829|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=9 August 2012}}</ref> The convention passed five resolutions which, amongst other things, called for a ban on [[vasectomy]]/[[tubectomy]] in government health facilities; replacement of the various legal systems used in the country with a single legal system; preferential treatment in university admission for students who attended Buddhism classes; use of monks in government schools to teach history and other classes; and no solution for the country's ethnic problems which was based on race/religion.<ref>{{cite news|last=Edirisinghe|first=Dasun|title=Buddhist clergy wants birth control operations banned|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=58004|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=29 July 2012}}</ref>
The BBS held its first national convention at the [[Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall]] on 28 July 2012.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wimalasurendre|first=Cyril|title=Asgiriya Nayake Thera welcomes Bodu Bala Sena|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=58829|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=9 August 2012}}</ref> The convention passed five resolutions which, amongst other things, called for a ban on [[vasectomy]]/[[tubectomy]] in government health facilities; replacement of the various legal systems used in the country with a single legal system; preferential treatment in university admission for students who attended Buddhism classes; use of monks in government schools to teach history and other classes; and no solution for the country's ethnic problems which was based on race/religion.<ref>{{cite news|last=Edirisinghe|first=Dasun|title=Buddhist clergy wants birth control operations banned|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=58004|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=29 July 2012}}</ref>


The BBS held a protest at the Bangladeshi High Commission in Colombo on 4 October 2012 against the [[2012 Ramu violence|anti-Buddhist riots in Bangladesh]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Protest today against attacks in B’desh on Buddhist shrines|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=62996|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=4 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Monks protest over Bangladeshi incidents|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25068:monks-protest-over-bangladeshi-incidents&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=547|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)]]|date=4 October 2012}}</ref> Some of the protesters threw stones and bottles at the High Commission.<ref>{{cite news|last=Suriyaarachchi|first=Binoy|title=Protest pandemonium|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/27-14047-news-detail-protest-pandemonium.html|newspaper=[[Ceylon Today]]|date=5 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Tense situation outside Bangladesh High Commission|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=19931|newspaper=adaderana.lk|date=4 October 2012}}</ref>
The BBS held a protest at the Bangladeshi High Commission in Colombo on 4 October 2012 against the [[2012 Ramu violence|anti-Buddhist riots in Bangladesh]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Protest today against attacks in B’desh on Buddhist shrines|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=62996|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=4 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Monks protest over Bangladeshi incidents|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25068:monks-protest-over-bangladeshi-incidents&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=547|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)]]|date=4 October 2012}}</ref> Some of the protesters threw stones and bottles at the High Commission.<ref>{{cite news|last=Suriyaarachchi|first=Binoy|title=Protest pandemonium|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/27-14047-news-detail-protest-pandemonium.html|newspaper=[[Ceylon Today]]|date=5 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Tense situation outside Bangladesh High Commission|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=19931|newspaper=adaderana.lk|date=4 October 2012}}</ref>
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In February 2013 BBS leader Kirama Wimalajothi called for a ban [[burqa]]s in the country.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ban the burqa|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-24545-news-detail-ban-the-burqa.html|newspaper=[[Ceylon Today]]|date=17 February 2013}}</ref> The BBS has also campaigned against the [[abaya]].<ref name=DFT140313>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title=Losing the ideas battle|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/03/14/losing-the-ideas-battle/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=14 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Serasinghe|first=Sharmini|title=BBS’s Latest Target- Muslim Dress Code|url=http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/bbss-latest-target-muslim-dress-code/|newspaper=Colombo Telegraph|date=24 March 2013}}</ref>
In February 2013 BBS leader Kirama Wimalajothi called for a ban [[burqa]]s in the country.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ban the burqa|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-24545-news-detail-ban-the-burqa.html|newspaper=[[Ceylon Today]]|date=17 February 2013}}</ref> The BBS has also campaigned against the [[abaya]].<ref name=DFT140313>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title=Losing the ideas battle|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/03/14/losing-the-ideas-battle/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=14 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Serasinghe|first=Sharmini|title=BBS’s Latest Target- Muslim Dress Code|url=http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/bbss-latest-target-muslim-dress-code/|newspaper=Colombo Telegraph|date=24 March 2013}}</ref>


The BBS met with the of the Lieutenant General [[Jagath Jayasuriya]], Major General [[Shavendra Silva]] and others from the [[Sri Lanka Army]] in late February 2013 to discuss extremist Muslim groups that the BBS alleged were operating in the country.<ref name=SL030313>{{cite news|last=Sri Aravinda|first=Indika|title=Army Asks For Evidence|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/03/03/army-asks-for-evidence/|newspaper=[[The Sunday Leader]]|date=3 March 2013}}</ref> BBS also met with [[Inspector General of Police (Sri Lanka)|IGP N. K. Illangakoon]] from the [[Sri Lanka Police Service|police]] on 1 March 2013 to discuss the same issues.<ref name=SL030313/>
The BBS met with the of the Lieutenant General [[Jagath Jayasuriya]], Major General [[Shavendra Silva]] and others from the [[Sri Lanka Army]] in late February 2013 to discuss extremist Muslim groups that the BBS alleged were operating in the country.<ref name=SL030313>{{cite news|last=Sri Aravinda|first=Indika|title=Army Asks For Evidence|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/03/03/army-asks-for-evidence/|newspaper=[[The Sunday Leader]]|date=3 March 2013}}</ref> BBS also met with [[Inspector General of Police (Sri Lanka)|IGP]] N. K. Illangakoon from the [[Sri Lanka Police Service|police]] on 1 March 2013 to discuss the same issues.<ref name=SL030313/>


Meth Sevana, the BBS' cultural and training centre in Pilana, Wanchawala, [[Galle District]], was officially opened on 9 March 2013 by chief guest Defence Secretary [[Gotabhaya Rajapaksa]], brother of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.<ref>{{cite news|last=Siri Ananda|first=W.|title=Gota inaugurates BBS Meth Sevana|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-26495-news-detail-gota-inaugurates-bbs-meth-sevana.html|newspaper=[[Ceylon Today]]|date=10 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Gunasekara|first=Tisaranee|title=Gotabhaya Rajapaksa And His Bala Sena|url=http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/gotabhaya-rajapaksa-and-his-bala-sena/|newspaper=Colombo Telegraph|date=14 March 2013}}</ref>
Meth Sevana, the BBS' cultural and training centre in Pilana, Wanchawala, [[Galle District]], was officially opened on 9 March 2013 by chief guest Defence Secretary [[Gotabhaya Rajapaksa]], brother of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.<ref>{{cite news|last=Siri Ananda|first=W.|title=Gota inaugurates BBS Meth Sevana|url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-26495-news-detail-gota-inaugurates-bbs-meth-sevana.html|newspaper=[[Ceylon Today]]|date=10 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Gunasekara|first=Tisaranee|title=Gotabhaya Rajapaksa And His Bala Sena|url=http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/gotabhaya-rajapaksa-and-his-bala-sena/|newspaper=Colombo Telegraph|date=14 March 2013}}</ref>


The BBS held a rally in [[Kandy]] on 17 March 2013 at which it announced that it would work to remove the mosque at the Kuragala Buddhist monastery complex in [[Ratnapura District]] as it is a well known historic Buddhist monastery complex in the central hills changed, and [http://sinhalabuddhist.com/2011/09/kuragala-to-jayilani/ used as a Islamic building complex] destroying the ancient writings as well. This kind of misbehave led monks to raise their voice.<ref>{{cite news|title=BBS vows to remove Muslim mosque from Kuragala|url=http://www.lakbimanews.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2043&Itemid=53|newspaper=Lakbima News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Eviction notice for Muslims in Kuragala|url=http://mirror.lk/news/5974-eviction-notice-for-muslims|newspaper=mirror.lk|date=27 March 2013}}</ref> At the rally BBS alleged that [[Islamic fundamentalism|Muslim fundamentalists]] had taken over the site and destroyed Buddhist heritage.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka's Raising Buddhist vow to remove illegal Muslim mosque in Kuragala|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_13A/Mar18_1363584917CH.php|newspaper=Colombo Page|date=18 March 2013}}</ref> BBS general secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara accused the Muslim owned ''Fashion Bug'' and ''No Limit'' retail chains of converting its Buddhist Sinhalese employees to Islam by allowing only Sinhalese girls to work with Muslim male employees.<ref>{{cite news|title=Video Evidence BBS Encourages Violence Against Muslim Owned Fashion Bug|url=http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/video-evidence-bbs-encourages-violence-against-muslim-owned-fashion-bug/|newspaper=Colombo Telegraph|date=29 March 2013}}</ref>
The BBS held a rally in [[Kandy]] on 17 March 2013 at which it announced that it would work to remove a 10th century mosque at the Kuragala Buddhist monastery complex in [[Ratnapura District]].<ref>{{cite news|title=BBS vows to remove Muslim mosque from Kuragala|url=http://www.lakbimanews.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2043&Itemid=53|newspaper=Lakbima News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Eviction notice for Muslims in Kuragala|url=http://mirror.lk/news/5974-eviction-notice-for-muslims|newspaper=mirror.lk|date=27 March 2013}}</ref> At the rally BBS alleged that [[Islamic fundamentalism|Muslim fundamentalists]] had taken over the site and destroyed Buddhist heritage.<ref>{{cite news|title= Sri Lanka's Buddhist extremists vow to remove Muslim mosque in Kuragala|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_13A/Mar18_1363584917CH.php|newspaper=Colombo Page|date=18 March 2013}}</ref> BBS general secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara accused the Muslim owned ''Fashion Bug'' and ''No Limit'' retail chains of converting its Buddhist Sinhalese employees to Islam.<ref>{{cite news|title=Video Evidence BBS Encourages Violence Against Muslim Owned Fashion Bug|url=http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/video-evidence-bbs-encourages-violence-against-muslim-owned-fashion-bug/|newspaper=Colombo Telegraph|date=29 March 2013}}</ref>


The BBS held a rally in [[Panadura]] on 24 March 2013 at which it called on the country to rally against Christian and Muslim extremists, insisting Sri Lanka was a a Sinhala Buddhist country, not a multiracial or multi-religious country as it take as a easy access to their Mother country practices.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rutnam|first=Easwaran|title=BBS insists Lanka not multiracial|url=http://colombogazette.com/2013/03/24/bbs-insists-lanka-not-multiracial/|newspaper=Colombo Gazette|date=24 March 2013}}</ref> At the rally BBS called for [[High Commissioner]] [[Ferial Ashraff]] to be recalled from [[Singapore]] for allegedly carrying out anti-Sinhala activities as what a she doing vs the purpose of the Re-presenter role.<ref name=DFT280313>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title=The reconciliation gap|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/03/28/the-reconciliation-gap/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=28 March 2013}}</ref> At the rally BBS announced that a [[ringtone]] could be downloaded from [[Mobitel (Sri Lanka)|Mobitel]], the [[state-owned]] mobile phone operator, which would raise funds for BBS.<ref name=DFT280313/> Some argued that caused protests from some non-Buddhist Mobitel customers and the company forgetting the same mean by selling Halal-foods for non-Muslims. So it clear Muslims want BBS to be seen as a extrimist group who address the matters that others are not like to talk. Due to this Muslim extreamist protest behind the scene the Company had to apologise for causing "emotional distress" forgetting the "emotional-destress" caused by Halal certification for non-Muslims.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mobitel apologises for causing 'emotional distress'|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/latest/31916-mobitel-apologises-for-causing-emotional-distress.html|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)]]|date=28 March 2013}}</ref> It clearly shows the mentality of those who point BBS as a extreme group. All Muslim organization have fund raising systems known as Halal certification, Sakhath and not known media too. Its not illegal to publish a song. That download by those who only like it and no one can forcefully assign. This uneducated mind sets are collectively gathered to prevent any illegal actions done by the name of 'Right to follow a religion' and 'Freedom of Speak'.<br />
The BBS held a rally in [[Panadura]] on 24 March 2013 at which it called on the country to rally against Christian and Muslim extremists, insisting Sri Lanka was a a Sinhala Buddhist country, not a multiracial or multi-religious country.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rutnam|first=Easwaran|title=BBS insists Lanka not multiracial|url=http://colombogazette.com/2013/03/24/bbs-insists-lanka-not-multiracial/|newspaper=Colombo Gazette|date=24 March 2013}}</ref> At the rally BBS called for [[High Commissioner]] [[Ferial Ashraff]] to be recalled from [[Singapore]] for allegedly carrying out anti-Sinhala activities.<ref name=DFT280313>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title=The reconciliation gap|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/03/28/the-reconciliation-gap/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=28 March 2013}}</ref> At the rally BBS announced that a [[ringtone]] could be downloaded from [[Mobitel (Sri Lanka)|Mobitel]], the [[state-owned]] mobile phone operator, which would raise funds for BBS.<ref name=DFT280313/> This caused protests from Mobitel customers and the company was forced to apologise for causing "emotional distress".<ref>{{cite news|title=Mobitel apologises for causing 'emotional distress'|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/latest/31916-mobitel-apologises-for-causing-emotional-distress.html|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)]]|date=28 March 2013}}</ref>


A nationwide protest organised by Muslims Fundamentalist Fronts against the anti-Muslim-Extremists(not Muslims) campaigns being carried out by the BBS and JHU was held on 25 March 2013.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rally to mobilize public support against anti-Muslim-Extremists campaigns in Sri Lanka|url=http://www.arabnews.com/news/445920|newspaper=[[Arab News]]|date=25 March 2013}}</ref> The protests were organised by the Muslim Rights Organization (MRO).<ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka Muslims to protest anti-Muslim-Extremists campaigns|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_13A/Mar25_1364192259KA.php|newspaper=Colombo Page|date=25 March 2013}}</ref> A unsuccessful [[hartal]] was observed in the Eastern Province on the same day against the BBS' anti-Muslim-Extremists stance.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hartal in East|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=75546|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=25 March 2013|author=M. A. Kaleel|author2=A. M. Jazeel}}</ref>
A nationwide protest by Muslims against the anti-Muslim campaigns being carried out by the BBS and JHU was held on 25 March 2013.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rally to mobilize public support against anti-Muslim campaigns in Sri Lanka|url=http://www.arabnews.com/news/445920|newspaper=[[Arab News]]|date=25 March 2013}}</ref> The protests were organised by the Muslim Rights Organization (MRO). <ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka Muslims to protest anti-Muslim campaigns|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_13A/Mar25_1364192259KA.php|newspaper=Colombo Page|date=25 March 2013}}</ref> A [[hartal]] was observed in the Eastern Province on the same day against the BBS' anti-Muslim stance.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hartal in East|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=75546|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=25 March 2013|author=M. A. Kaleel|author2=A. M. Jazeel}}</ref>


The Muslim owned ''Fashion Bug'' clothes shop in Pepiliyana, Colombo District was attacked on 28 March 2013 by a mob led by Buddhist monks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka crowd attacks Muslim warehouse in Colombo|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21973292|newspaper=[[BBC News]]|date=29 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka violence prompts security measures|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/03/20133298245623684.html|newspaper=[[Al Jazeera]]|date=29 March 2013}}</ref> But no evidence to prove that BBS was behind the attack.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wickrematunge|first=Raisa|title=Hate Rages On|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/03/31/hate-rages-on/|newspaper=[[The Sunday Leader]]|date=31 March 2013}}</ref> BBS denied any involvement and condemned the attack.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka deploys forces after Muslim store torched in Colombo|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sri-lanka-deploys-forces-after-muslim-store-torched-in-colombo/1094928/|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]/[[Press Trust of India]]|date=29 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=BBS condemns the attack|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/27442-bbs-condemns-the-attack.html|newspaper=[[The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)]]|date=29 March 2013}}</ref>
The Muslim owned ''Fashion Bug'' clothes shop in Pepiliyana, Colombo District was attacked on 28 March 2013 by a mob led by Buddhist monks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka crowd attacks Muslim warehouse in Colombo|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21973292|newspaper=[[BBC News]]|date=29 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka violence prompts security measures|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/03/20133298245623684.html|newspaper=[[Al Jazeera]]|date=29 March 2013}}</ref> Some reports suggested that BBS was behind the attack.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wickrematunge|first=Raisa|title=Hate Rages On|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/03/31/hate-rages-on/|newspaper=[[The Sunday Leader]]|date=31 March 2013}}</ref> BBS denied any involvement and condemned the attack.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka deploys forces after Muslim store torched in Colombo|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sri-lanka-deploys-forces-after-muslim-store-torched-in-colombo/1094928/|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]/[[Press Trust of India]]|date=29 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=BBS condemns the attack|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/27442-bbs-condemns-the-attack.html|newspaper=[[The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)]]|date=29 March 2013}}</ref>


On 31 March 2013 it was reported that the government was going to ban a number of extremist groups including the BBS.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sri Aravinda|first=Indika|title=Ban BBS|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/03/31/ban-on-bbs/|newspaper=[[The Sunday Leader]]|date=31 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka government to crack down on extremist groups|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_13A/Mar31_1364708741CH.php|newspaper=Colombo Page|date=31 March 2013}}</ref>
On 31 March 2013 it was reported that the government was going to ban a number of extremist groups including the BBS.<ref name=SL310313/><ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka government to crack down on extremist groups|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_13A/Mar31_1364708741CH.php|newspaper=Colombo Page|date=31 March 2013}}</ref> Reacting to the reports, BBS general secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara described Minister of National Languages and Social Integration [[Vasudeva Nanayakkara]] as a disgrace and a peacenik, saying "Such ministers should be sent to Angoda once in three months, to have their heads examined".<ref>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title=BBS backtracks!|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/04/05/bbs-backtracks/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=5 April 2013}}</ref> Nanayakkara denied the reports, saying that the government wasn't going to ban extremist groups like the BBS, it was only considering banning [[hate speech]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Sri Lankan minister denies cabinet paper aimed at banning extremist organizations|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_13A/Apr07_1365318278CH.php|newspaper=Colombo Page|date=7 April 2013}}</ref>

In April 2013 a group of BBS members led by general secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara visited the USA to raise awareness of the organisation and counter its negative image.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bodu Bala Sena goes International|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/27922-bodu-bala-sena-goes-international.html|newspaper=[[The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)]]|date=9 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wickrematunge|first=Raisa|title=BBS To Launch ‘Counterattack’ Programme In The US|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/04/14/bbs-to-launch-counterattack-programme-in-the-us/|newspaper=[[The Sunday Leader]]|date=14 April 2013}}</ref>


==Anti-halal campaign==
==Anti-halal campaign==
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Minister of National Languages and Social Integration [[Vasudeva Nanayakkara]] has has described BBS as an "an extremist group that comes up with provoking statements".<ref>{{cite news|title='Bodu Bala Sena is an extremist group'|url=http://htsyndication.com/htsportal/article?arid=%221085777%22&pub=%22Daily+Mirror+Sri+Lanka%22|newspaper=[[The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)]] via [[HT Syndication]]|date=15 March 2013}}</ref> Opposition MP and former [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Sri Lanka)|Foreign Minister]] [[Mangala Samaraweera]] has accused the BBS of being "a representation of ‘[[Taliban]]’ terrorism’" and of spreading extremism and communal hatred against Muslims.<ref name=ST170213>{{cite news|last=Bandara|first=Hansani|title=BBSO challenges Mangala equating it to a terrorist outfit|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/130217/news/bbso-challenges-mangala-equating-it-to-a-terrorist-outfit-33653.html|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)]]|date=17 February 2013}}</ref><ref name=DFT150213>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title=Mangala says anti-Muslim campaign is ‘playing with fire’|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/02/15/mangala-says-anti-muslim-campaign-is-playing-with-fire/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=15 February 2013}}</ref> Samaraweera has also alleged that the BBS is secretly funded by the [[Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka)|Ministry of Defence]].<ref name=ST170213/><ref name=DFT150213/> The BBS demanded a public apology for Samaraweera's comments, calling him bankrupt and accusing him of supporting separatists.<ref>{{cite news|title=BBS wants public apology to all Buddhists from Mangala|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/02/16/bbs-wants-public-apology-to-all-buddhists-from-mangala/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=16 February 2013}}</ref> Former ambassador [[Dayan Jayatilleka]] has described the BBS as an "ethno-religious fascist movement from the dark underside of Sinhala society".<ref name=BBC250313/><ref>{{cite web|last=Jayatilleka|first=Dayan|title=Emergence of Ethno-Religious Fascist Movement from the Dark Underside of Sinhala Society|url=http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/16765|publisher=dbsjeyaraj.com|authorlink=Dayan Jayatilleka|date=19 February 2013}}</ref> [[Vikramabahu Karunaratne]], leader of the [[Nava Sama Samaja Party]], has labelled the BBS as an extremist religious group.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title=Joint Opposition becomes official|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/02/12/joint-opposition-becomes-official/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=12 February 2013}}</ref>
Minister of National Languages and Social Integration [[Vasudeva Nanayakkara]] has has described BBS as an "an extremist group that comes up with provoking statements".<ref>{{cite news|title='Bodu Bala Sena is an extremist group'|url=http://htsyndication.com/htsportal/article?arid=%221085777%22&pub=%22Daily+Mirror+Sri+Lanka%22|newspaper=[[The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)]] via [[HT Syndication]]|date=15 March 2013}}</ref> Opposition MP and former [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Sri Lanka)|Foreign Minister]] [[Mangala Samaraweera]] has accused the BBS of being "a representation of ‘[[Taliban]]’ terrorism’" and of spreading extremism and communal hatred against Muslims.<ref name=ST170213>{{cite news|last=Bandara|first=Hansani|title=BBSO challenges Mangala equating it to a terrorist outfit|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/130217/news/bbso-challenges-mangala-equating-it-to-a-terrorist-outfit-33653.html|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)]]|date=17 February 2013}}</ref><ref name=DFT150213>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title=Mangala says anti-Muslim campaign is ‘playing with fire’|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/02/15/mangala-says-anti-muslim-campaign-is-playing-with-fire/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=15 February 2013}}</ref> Samaraweera has also alleged that the BBS is secretly funded by the [[Ministry of Defence (Sri Lanka)|Ministry of Defence]].<ref name=ST170213/><ref name=DFT150213/> The BBS demanded a public apology for Samaraweera's comments, calling him bankrupt and accusing him of supporting separatists.<ref>{{cite news|title=BBS wants public apology to all Buddhists from Mangala|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/02/16/bbs-wants-public-apology-to-all-buddhists-from-mangala/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=16 February 2013}}</ref> Former ambassador [[Dayan Jayatilleka]] has described the BBS as an "ethno-religious fascist movement from the dark underside of Sinhala society".<ref name=BBC250313/><ref>{{cite web|last=Jayatilleka|first=Dayan|title=Emergence of Ethno-Religious Fascist Movement from the Dark Underside of Sinhala Society|url=http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/16765|publisher=dbsjeyaraj.com|authorlink=Dayan Jayatilleka|date=19 February 2013}}</ref> [[Vikramabahu Karunaratne]], leader of the [[Nava Sama Samaja Party]], has labelled the BBS as an extremist religious group.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bastians|first=Dharisha|title=Joint Opposition becomes official|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/02/12/joint-opposition-becomes-official/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=12 February 2013}}</ref>


The [[International Crisis Group]] has stated that the BBS' attacks on the Muslim community will lead an increase in Islamic fundamentalism in the country.<ref>{{cite book|title=Asia Report N°243 - Sri Lanka’s Authoritarian Turn: The Need for International Action|publisher=[[International Crisis Group]]|page=24|url=http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/asia/south-asia/sri-lanka/243-sri-lankas-authoritarian-turn-the-need-for-international-action.pdf|date=20 February 2013}}</ref> The [[Islamic Human Rights Commission]] has accused the BBS of "spreading religious hatred" and urged the Sri Lankan government to take legal action against organisations which attack minority groups.<ref>{{cite web|title=Action Alert: Sri Lanka – Demand an end to violence against the Muslim and Christian community in Sri Lanka|url=http://www.ihrc.org.uk/activities/alerts/10455-action-alert-sri-lanka-demand-an-end-to-violence-against-the-muslim-and-christian-community-in-sri-lanka|publisher=[[Islamic Human Rights Commission]]|date=11 March 2013}}</ref> The [[Asian Human Rights Commission]] has described the BBS as an "expression of the widespread lawlessness in the country", claiming that the government's failure to take action against groups such as the BBS demonstrated the government's [[connivance]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka: A monk leads mob violence at Maligawatta with the connivance of the police|url=http://www.humanrights.asia/news/ahrc-news/AHRC-STM-049-2013/|publisher=[[Asian Human Rights Commission]]|date=4 March 2013}}</ref> [[Minority Rights Group International]] has accused BBS of being the main group behind the recent spate of attacks against Muslims in the country.<ref name=MRGI/>
The [[International Crisis Group]] has stated that the BBS' attacks on the Muslim community will lead an increase in Islamic fundamentalism in the country.<ref>{{cite book|title=Asia Report N°243 - Sri Lanka’s Authoritarian Turn: The Need for International Action|publisher=[[International Crisis Group]]|page=24|url=http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/asia/south-asia/sri-lanka/243-sri-lankas-authoritarian-turn-the-need-for-international-action.pdf|date=20 February 2013}}</ref> The [[Islamic Human Rights Commission]] has accused the BBS of "spreading religious hatred" and urged the Sri Lankan government to take legal action against organisations which attack minority groups.<ref>{{cite web|title=Action Alert: Sri Lanka – Demand an end to violence against the Muslim and Christian community in Sri Lanka|url=http://www.ihrc.org.uk/activities/alerts/10455-action-alert-sri-lanka-demand-an-end-to-violence-against-the-muslim-and-christian-community-in-sri-lanka|publisher=[[Islamic Human Rights Commission]]|date=11 March 2013}}</ref> The [[Asian Human Rights Commission]] has described the BBS as an "expression of the widespread lawlessness in the country", claiming that the government's failure to take action against groups such as the BBS demonstrated the government's [[connivance]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka: A monk leads mob violence at Maligawatta with the connivance of the police|url=http://www.humanrights.asia/news/ahrc-news/AHRC-STM-049-2013/|publisher=[[Asian Human Rights Commission]]|date=4 March 2013}}</ref> [[Minority Rights Group International]] has accused BBS of being the main group behind the recent spate of attacks against Muslims in the country.<ref name=MRGI/> In its 2012 human rights report, the British [[Foreign and Commonwealth Office]] accused BBS of increasing "campaigns against religious minorities".<ref>{{cite web|title=Human Rights and Democracy: The 2012 Foreign & Commonwealth Office Report|url=http://www.hrdreport.fco.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/2012-Human-Rights-and-Democracy.pdf|publisher=[[Foreign and Commonwealth Office]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=BBS condemns HR report by UK govt|url=http://www.lakbimanews.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3561&Itemid=65|newspaper=Lakbima News}}</ref>


The views of the BBS have been disowned by the some of the mainstream Buddhist clergy. Anunayake Bellanwila Wimalaratana has stated that "The views of the Bodu Bala Sena are not the views of the entire [[Sangha]] community".<ref>{{cite news|title=BBS does not represent entire Sangha|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/03/12/bbs-does-not-represent-entire-sangha/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=12 March 2013}}</ref>.
The views of the BBS have been disowned by the some of the mainstream Buddhist clergy. Anunayake Bellanwila Wimalaratana has stated that "The views of the Bodu Bala Sena are not the views of the entire [[Sangha]] community".<ref>{{cite news|title=BBS does not represent entire Sangha|url=http://www.ft.lk/2013/03/12/bbs-does-not-represent-entire-sangha/|newspaper=[[Daily FT]]|date=12 March 2013}}</ref>


⚫
Opposition provincial councillor and MRO president Mujeebur Rahuman has stated that the unfettered activities of the BBS will mean an "ethnic riot will start between Sinhalese and Muslims".<ref name=BBC170213/> The [[Eastern Provincial Council]] passed a motion unanimously on 20 February 2013 censuring the BBS for its anti-Muslim stance.<ref>{{cite news|title=EPC censures Bodu Bala Sena|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=73089|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=20 February 2013}}</ref> [[Kalmunai Municipal Council]] passed a motion on 4 April 2013 against extremist groups including the BBS, urging crackdown on these groups.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kalmunai Resolution Names BBS As Extremists|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/04/07/kalmunai-resolution-names-bbs-as-extremists/|newspaper=[[The Sunday Leader]]|date=7 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kalmunai MC adopts resolution against hardline religious groups|url=http://www.lakbimanews.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3014&Itemid=65|newspaper=Lakbima News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Resolution passed against BBS|url=http://colombogazette.com/2013/04/04/resolution-passed-against-bbs/|newspaper=Colombo Gazette|date=4 April 2013}}</ref>
Another point of criticism is the the hit and run charges filled against Ven. Galabodaaththe Gnanasara thero, the secretory of Bodu Bala Sena. Nine charges were filed against including drunken driving for in 2000 for which he had pleaded guilty. Several media reports have questioned the organization's values and Buddhist representation in the light of these events <ref>http://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/full-court-report-bbs-leader-gnanasara-pleaded-guilty-to-hit-and-run-and-drunk-driving/</ref>.


A group calling itself "Buddhists Questioning Bodu Bala Sena" staged a peaceful candle-lit vigil on 12 April 2013 outside the BBS' headquarters at Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira.<ref>{{cite news|title=Police disperse anti-BBS protest|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/latest/32542-police-disperse-anti-bbs-protest.html|newspaper=[[The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)]]|date=12 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=On ‘Nightclub Buddhists’: The Disrupted Vigil|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2013/04/21/on-nightclub-buddhists-the-disrupted-vigil/|newspaper=[[The Sunday Leader]]|date=21 April 2013}}</ref> The vigil was broken up by the police.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lanka blocks anti-hate rally in capital|url=http://gulftoday.ae/portal/4d309afa-9010-4376-b746-0ead2eee84a9.aspx|newspaper=[[The Gulf Today]]/[[Agence France-Presse]]|date=13 April 2013}}</ref>
⚫
Opposition provincial councillor and MRO president Mujeebur Rahuman has stated that the unfettered activities of the BBS will mean an "ethnic riot will start between Sinhalese and Muslims".<ref name=BBC170213/> The [[Eastern Provincial Council]] passed a motion unanimously on 20 February 2013 censuring the BBS for its anti-Muslim stance.<ref>{{cite news|title=EPC censures Bodu Bala Sena|url=http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=73089|newspaper=[[The Island (Sri Lanka)]]|date=20 February 2013}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|4}}
{{Reflist|4}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.bodubalasena.org/|name=Bodu Bala Sena Official Website}}


{{Buddhism in Sri Lanka}}
{{Buddhism in Sri Lanka}}

Revision as of 10:57, 3 May 2013

Bodu Bala Sena
FormationJuly 2012; 12 years ago (2012-07)
TypeNGO
PurposeReligious activism
HeadquartersSri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira, Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Coordinates6°53′45.90″N 79°51′36.20″E / 6.8960833°N 79.8600556°E / 6.8960833; 79.8600556
Region served
Sri Lanka
Secretary General
Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara
Leader
Kirama Wimalajothi
Websitebodubalasena.org

Bodu Bala Sena (Sinhala: බොදු බල සේනා; Template:Lang-en; BBS) is an Sinhalese Buddhist[1][2][3][4][5] Sinhala-Buddhist organisation based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.[6] It has organised various campaigns against the country's minority Muslim and Christian communities which, according to the organisation, are needed to protect the country's Sinhalese-Buddhist character. The organisation's hard-line attitudes have drawn concern and criticism from inside and outside Sri Lanka.

Organisation

The BBS was founded by monks Ven. Kirama Wimalajothi and Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara after they broke away from Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) claiming it was was not active enough in protecting Buddhism. Ven.Gnanasara had been one of the JHU candidates in Colombo District at the 2004 parliamentary election.[7] Wimalajothi and Gnanasara are leader and general secretary of BBS respectively.[8] Its headquarters are located at Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira in Colombo.[9] Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira is owned by the Buddhist Cultural Centre, an organisation also founded by Kirama Wimalajothi.[10] The Buddhist Cultural Centre was opened by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on 15 May 2011.[11][12]

History

One of earliest campaigns by BBS was in respect of Buddhist Sri Lankans working in the Middle East who, according BBS, were prevented from prevented from practising their religion and punished harshly if found to be doing so.[13]

The BBS held its first national convention at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall on 28 July 2012.[14] The convention passed five resolutions which, amongst other things, called for a ban on vasectomy/tubectomy in government health facilities; replacement of the various legal systems used in the country with a single legal system; preferential treatment in university admission for students who attended Buddhism classes; use of monks in government schools to teach history and other classes; and no solution for the country's ethnic problems which was based on race/religion.[15]

The BBS held a protest at the Bangladeshi High Commission in Colombo on 4 October 2012 against the anti-Buddhist riots in Bangladesh.[16][17] Some of the protesters threw stones and bottles at the High Commission.[18][19]

On 14 October 2012 BBS stormed a house in Batakettara, Homagama, Piliyandala where it alleges a Christian pastor called Dinesh and others from an evangelical group called The Name of Lord Jesus were trying to convert Sinhalese Buddhists.[20] The pastor was later released but following complaints from the pastor's family seven people were arrested on charges of abduction.[21] The following day BBS held a protest outside Piliyandala Police Station demanding that the seven arrested be released.[22][23]

The BBS held a protest rally in Badulla on 25 October 2012 against against alleged conversion, vandalism of Buddhist sites and Islamic terrorism.[24] They held a protest at the Department of Archeology on 29 November 2012 urging the authorities to protect archaeological sites in the Eastern Province.[25]

The BBS stormed Sri Lanka Law College in Hultsdorf, Colombo on 7 January 2013, alleging that exam results were being distorted in favour of Muslim students.[26] The allegations were not true but the college was forced delay new student registration by one week in order to investigate the allegations.[27][28]

The BBS stormed the Cinnamon Bay Hotel in Moragalla, Beruwala on 21 January 2013, alleging that the premises contained a "Buddha bar".[29][30] Two hotel managers were arrested by the police for organising the "Buddha bar" event.[31][32]

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and government ministers met with the BBS on 27 January 2013 at Temple Trees, Colombo.[33][34] After the meeting the President issued a statement which urged the BBS and other monks to avoid conflicts with other religious communities but this statement was only issued in English, not Sinhala which is the language of most BBS supporters.[35]

The opposition United National Party met with the BBS on 12 February 2013.[36]

The BBS organised a meeting in Maharagama, Colombo on 17 February 2013 which was attended by around 16,000 people including 1,300 monks.[37] At the rally the BBS general secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara stated "This is a government created by Sinhala Buddhists and it must remain Sinhala Buddhist. This is a Sinhala country, Sinhala government. Democratic and pluralistic values are killing the Sinhala race".[38] He also told the crowd at the rally that they "must become an unofficial civilian police force against Muslim extremism. These so-called democrats are destroying the Sinhala race".[39] At the rally the BBS unveiled the "Maharagama Declaration", a ten-point resolution which, other than an end to halal certification, called for a ban on Sri Lankan women going to work in the Middle East; end of mosque building financed by the Middle East; and ban some contraceptives.[1]

In February 2013 BBS leader Kirama Wimalajothi called for a ban burqas in the country.[40] The BBS has also campaigned against the abaya.[41][42]

The BBS met with the of the Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Major General Shavendra Silva and others from the Sri Lanka Army in late February 2013 to discuss extremist Muslim groups that the BBS alleged were operating in the country.[43] BBS also met with IGP N. K. Illangakoon from the police on 1 March 2013 to discuss the same issues.[43]

Meth Sevana, the BBS' cultural and training centre in Pilana, Wanchawala, Galle District, was officially opened on 9 March 2013 by chief guest Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, brother of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.[44][45]

The BBS held a rally in Kandy on 17 March 2013 at which it announced that it would work to remove a 10th century mosque at the Kuragala Buddhist monastery complex in Ratnapura District.[46][47] At the rally BBS alleged that Muslim fundamentalists had taken over the site and destroyed Buddhist heritage.[48] BBS general secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara accused the Muslim owned Fashion Bug and No Limit retail chains of converting its Buddhist Sinhalese employees to Islam.[49]

The BBS held a rally in Panadura on 24 March 2013 at which it called on the country to rally against Christian and Muslim extremists, insisting Sri Lanka was a a Sinhala Buddhist country, not a multiracial or multi-religious country.[50] At the rally BBS called for High Commissioner Ferial Ashraff to be recalled from Singapore for allegedly carrying out anti-Sinhala activities.[51] At the rally BBS announced that a ringtone could be downloaded from Mobitel, the state-owned mobile phone operator, which would raise funds for BBS.[51] This caused protests from Mobitel customers and the company was forced to apologise for causing "emotional distress".[52]

A nationwide protest by Muslims against the anti-Muslim campaigns being carried out by the BBS and JHU was held on 25 March 2013.[53] The protests were organised by the Muslim Rights Organization (MRO). [54] A hartal was observed in the Eastern Province on the same day against the BBS' anti-Muslim stance.[55]

The Muslim owned Fashion Bug clothes shop in Pepiliyana, Colombo District was attacked on 28 March 2013 by a mob led by Buddhist monks.[56][57] Some reports suggested that BBS was behind the attack.[58] BBS denied any involvement and condemned the attack.[59][60]

On 31 March 2013 it was reported that the government was going to ban a number of extremist groups including the BBS.[2][61] Reacting to the reports, BBS general secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara described Minister of National Languages and Social Integration Vasudeva Nanayakkara as a disgrace and a peacenik, saying "Such ministers should be sent to Angoda once in three months, to have their heads examined".[62] Nanayakkara denied the reports, saying that the government wasn't going to ban extremist groups like the BBS, it was only considering banning hate speech.[63]

In April 2013 a group of BBS members led by general secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara visited the USA to raise awareness of the organisation and counter its negative image.[64][65]

Anti-halal campaign

ACJU halal logo

In February 2013 the BBS started a campaign against the halal certifying system in the country. In Sri Lanka halal certification is carried out by the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), the group of Islamic clerics, and contrary to allegations, is voluntary - certificates are only issued to businesses that request it.[66] The BBS initially threatened to take the ACJU to court.[67] Later they threatened to launch a campaign of agitation against halal certification, stating "they [the Mulsims] are trying to impose their ritualistic food products upon this country. The next plan is to bring about Sharia law. Already there is Muslim banking system in the country."[68] At the rally in Maharagama on 17 February 2013 the BBS announced that it was calling for the abolition of the halal certifying system, demanding that shops be cleared of halal meat by April.[69][70]

In late February 2013 the ACJU offered to hand over responsibility for halal certifying to the government but this was rejected by the BBS who called for the complete eradication halal certification in the country.[71] The BBS slammed the ACJU as "arrogant, corrupt, thieving, underworld thugs".[72] The government also refused to take over halal certification due to the pressure exerted by the BBS.[73]

The BBS stormed a meat inspection facility in Dematagoda run by Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) on 1 March 2013, alleging that young calves, pregnant cows and water buffaloes were being slaughtered at the premises.[74][75][76] The slaughter of calves is illegal in Colombo. The BBS were incorrect - the premises were being used by CMC officials to inspect meat prior to being distributed around the city.[27][77]

Meetings were held between the ACJU, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and Buddhist clergy and on 11 March 2013 a compromise was announced. The ACJU would stop adding the halal logo on products for local consumption but continue to use them for products being exported to Islamic countries where it is compulsory.[78][79] This offer was also rejected on 12 March 2013 by the BBS who continued to demand "the eradication of the entire Halal process".[80] The BBS went on to attack those responsible for the compromise. They accused Milinda Moragoda, a government minister, of "creating an unholy inter-religious alliance, and attempting to destroy our learned monks. These revered bhikkus are now in the grasp of infidels".[81] They branded the Buddhist clergy as "pseudo Buddhist leaders who never stood against Muslim extremism and Christian fundamentalism."[81] They accused the CCC chairman Susantha Ratnayake of having a "Buddha bar" at a hotel he runs.[81]

The government pronounced on 13 March 2013 that the ACJU had no power to issue halal certificates and that a new way to certify halal products would need to be formulated.[82] On 17 March 2013 the BBS declared victory in its battle against halal, saying it wouldn't talk about halal in the future.[83][84]

Attacks on media

The BBS general secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara has accused the majority of the English language media in the country of "working on foreign agendas" and of being "kalu suddho" (traitors) to the Sinhala Buddhist cause.[83]

A BBC News crew filming the BBS rally at Maharagama on 17 February 2013 were surrounded by a mob of twenty young men who threatened them and verbally abused a Sri Lankan member of the crew, accusing him of being a "traitor", having "foreign parents" and working for a "foreign conspirator" who was "against Sri Lanka".[69][85] The police seemed to be helping the crew by barricading the crew and ordering them not to leave.[69] The mob threatened it would "be the end" of the crew if they returned to Maharagama.[69] A reporter from the Muslim newspaper Navamini was also harassed at the rally by a mob who handed him over to the police who in turn detained the reporter for 4½ hours.[86]

Criticism

The BBS has received criticism from politicians, human rights groups, other Buddhist clergy and Muslims from Sri Lanka and abroad.

Minister of National Languages and Social Integration Vasudeva Nanayakkara has has described BBS as an "an extremist group that comes up with provoking statements".[87] Opposition MP and former Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera has accused the BBS of being "a representation of ‘Taliban’ terrorism’" and of spreading extremism and communal hatred against Muslims.[88][89] Samaraweera has also alleged that the BBS is secretly funded by the Ministry of Defence.[88][89] The BBS demanded a public apology for Samaraweera's comments, calling him bankrupt and accusing him of supporting separatists.[90] Former ambassador Dayan Jayatilleka has described the BBS as an "ethno-religious fascist movement from the dark underside of Sinhala society".[27][91] Vikramabahu Karunaratne, leader of the Nava Sama Samaja Party, has labelled the BBS as an extremist religious group.[92]

The International Crisis Group has stated that the BBS' attacks on the Muslim community will lead an increase in Islamic fundamentalism in the country.[93] The Islamic Human Rights Commission has accused the BBS of "spreading religious hatred" and urged the Sri Lankan government to take legal action against organisations which attack minority groups.[94] The Asian Human Rights Commission has described the BBS as an "expression of the widespread lawlessness in the country", claiming that the government's failure to take action against groups such as the BBS demonstrated the government's connivance.[95] Minority Rights Group International has accused BBS of being the main group behind the recent spate of attacks against Muslims in the country.[35] In its 2012 human rights report, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office accused BBS of increasing "campaigns against religious minorities".[96][97]

The views of the BBS have been disowned by the some of the mainstream Buddhist clergy. Anunayake Bellanwila Wimalaratana has stated that "The views of the Bodu Bala Sena are not the views of the entire Sangha community".[98]

Opposition provincial councillor and MRO president Mujeebur Rahuman has stated that the unfettered activities of the BBS will mean an "ethnic riot will start between Sinhalese and Muslims".[69] The Eastern Provincial Council passed a motion unanimously on 20 February 2013 censuring the BBS for its anti-Muslim stance.[99] Kalmunai Municipal Council passed a motion on 4 April 2013 against extremist groups including the BBS, urging crackdown on these groups.[100][101][102]

A group calling itself "Buddhists Questioning Bodu Bala Sena" staged a peaceful candle-lit vigil on 12 April 2013 outside the BBS' headquarters at Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira.[103][104] The vigil was broken up by the police.[105]

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